Measuring Body Fat???

LindseySprake
LindseySprake Posts: 333 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,
Could you please help me, I'm trying to find out what my body fat %age is.

I bought a body fat pincher type thing but it says that the only please you have to measure 1inch about your hip bone on the front of your torso.

Is this right, just measuring 1 place? I thought you'd have to measure several different places to get an overall more accuarte reading?

Are there better ways to get an accurate reading (without having to go to the Dr or a specialist)

My details (if you need them): Female, 28 years old, 5f 2", 133lbs, small frame.

Many thanks.

Replies

  • cro0004
    cro0004 Posts: 1
    hey how u going,

    just to let u know its almost impossible to use the calliper (pinchy thing) yourself in the positions u need to. u will need someones help to do it and u do need practice if u want to be accurate, u can google where the points on the body are, but best bet if u belong to a gym get a trainer to do it for u, they shouldnt charge as they would see u as a prospect.
  • LindseySprake
    LindseySprake Posts: 333 Member
    Hello!
    I do belong to a gym (even though i don't actually go to the gym lol just go to the classes) I'll ask next time im there.
    Thanks.
  • sarafil
    sarafil Posts: 506 Member
    Just going to say the same: calipers need to be used by someone who is trained to use them....a trainer should know how. They take measurements from a lot of places, not just one.
  • rkr22401
    rkr22401 Posts: 216 Member
    Accumeasure calipers don't require the help of an assistant. They have a one-site method, but you can google Jackson-Pollock body fat calculator and you'll find a 4-site and a 3 site method that also don't require an assistant (ie no scapular site used). The accumeasures lock in the reading to allow you to measure yourself.

    This is the method recommended by Tom Venuto's BFFM (a GREAT reference by the way).

    It will take some practice to be consistent. When you can get 3 successive pinches within 1 mm thickness, you've got it. With practice you'll find you can get as consistent results as a trainer and more consistent results than using different trainers. Use a landmark on your body so you measure the exact same location.

    Consistently measuring in the same location is the key. Actual skin fold thickness (and making it decrease) is more important than the conversion to BF% anyway.
  • dlegros
    dlegros Posts: 162 Member
    I use the 3-site method which, as a man, can be done solo. For women you need to to the back of your arm which complicates things a bit...

    Before getting the calipers I was using the US Navy tape method and it seems to match reasonably closely
  • EllieMo
    EllieMo Posts: 131 Member
    If you can afford it, get scales with a body fat monitor. They pass a current through your body that measures the resistance, and calculates %age fat based on that
  • LindseySprake
    LindseySprake Posts: 333 Member
    If you can afford it, get scales with a body fat monitor. They pass a current through your body that measures the resistance, and calculates %age fat based on that

    I do have one of these, a weight watchers one, which was pretty expensive at the time, but wasn't sure how accurate it was, or actually how they worked to measure the fat so wasn't sure if I should trust them lol.

    I have since used the callipers (did an average of 3 readings per area) and actually the scales were pretty accurate (in my opinion) within 2%

    Happy days, thanks everyone.
  • pgp90xer
    pgp90xer Posts: 219 Member
    Hi there,

    I use this website

    http://www.linear-software.com/online.html

    It is very simple to use and they give you different options as to how to take your body fat numbers using your caliper. I prefer the Jackson/Pollack 3 site method because it’s quick, easy, and accurate and you only take 3 measurements ( arm pit, navel, and thighs )

    Hope this helps!
  • TexasTroy
    TexasTroy Posts: 477 Member
    As a trainer, I used the calipers and for the average person, they are generally pretty accurate but they are very hard to get a consistant measurement if you arent well versed in taking them. It is possible to take those measurements by yourself but can be very difficult and again, it takes practice to get it accurate. For myself, I now use bioelectrical impedance- lots of weight scales have them now for around $30 and up....I find it easier and much faster, however the results are sometimes inconsistant cause it measures water weight to determine body fat percentage. The best method is hydrostatic underwater weighing but unless you have a spare couple hundred dollars laying around, its very expensive, lol. Whatever you choose to use, just use the same method all the time and it should give you a pretty good idea of where you are at:)

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